Board the National Geographic Resolution on this 6-day cruise exploring the wild islands of Scotland and Ireland. The archipelagos of Scotland tell an intriguing story of ancient kings, early Christians, and prehistoric peoples making a life on Europe’s farthest frontiers. Beginning in lively Dublin, venture north to the islands of the Inner Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland, discovering evocative ruins and historic sites set among spectacular landscapes. Delve deep into the significance of important sites from Iona to Skara Brae. Along the way, spot wildlife at sea such as whales, guillemots, razorbills, and puffins.
Highlights
Get up close to spectacular wildlife, including whales and seabirds
Hike to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
Experience the windswept beauty of the Shetland Islands
Visit the 4,000-year-old seaside ruins of Jarlshof
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
More living museum than city, traces of Dublin’s past are on display at every turn. Discover the city’s medieval castles and cathedrals, one of the oldest universities in Europe, Trinity College, and perhaps enjoy a sip of Ireland’s famous brew, Guinness. Tour the city and have a traditional Irish meal before embarking National Geographic Resolution in the late afternoon. Settle into life on board as we set sail for Iona.
Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the isle of Iona, the site of Scotland’s first Christian settlement. Venture into an ancient nunnery and a 13th-century abbey and explore St. Oran’s Chapel with its royal burial grounds, where Celtic high crosses mark the graves of generations of Scottish kings. In the afternoon, continue to Staffa, famed for its geometric basalt columns and deep-sea caves. Conditions permitting, zodiac into the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave, where Felix Mendelssohn was inspired to write his "Hebrides Overture." Atop the island, look for Atlantic puffins coming to and from their burrows as they search for fish in the surrounding waters.
With its jagged Cuillin Mountains habitually shrouded in mist, the Isle of Skye takes its name from the old Norse sky-a , translated to ‘cloud island.’ From its captivating history and dramatic mountain ranges, we’ll explore this fascinating island from high to low. Step back in time and discover an old Highland village and gain some insight into island life as it would have been a century ago. Visit Talisker Distillery and taste the island’s famed whisky. Stretch your legs on a hike to the Quiraing and photograph the stoic Old Man of Storr on one of Skye’s most iconic hikes. As we set sail for Orkney, be on the look out for white tailed sea eagles, minke whales and dolphins along the coast.
The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for hundreds of years, and their Norse heritage is apparent in local legends and traditions that endure today. Explore a treasure trove of Stone Age sites, including the megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. Step inside the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which took nearly 300 years to complete.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, the Shetland Islands exude a languid remoteness that begs to be discovered. Explore Lerwick, a town where Norse and Gaelic cultures intermingle, and see the countryside dotted with Shetland ponies. Then examine Bronze Age ruins at the extraordinary prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof, a UNESCO candidate which is part of "The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland." Later, take in a cacophony of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills as we walk to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head.
Day 6: Bergen, Norway | Disembark
1 Breakfast
A once bustling seaport town nestled amongst the fjords of southwestern Norway, Bergen has been revitalized as an amazing look back into the medieval times and the Hanseatic League that once dominated this harbor town. The colorful wooden clapboard commercial buildings that line the old wharf are just one of many picturesque backdrops to this historic city. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Category 1
Fore Deck #404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 2
Fore Deck #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 3
Main Deck—#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 4
Lounge Deck—#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 5
Bridge Deck—#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 6
Bridge Deck—#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category 7
Bridge Deck #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category A Solo
Main Deck #504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with an office chair, and a closet.
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
5 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Onboard physician consultations (where available)
24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
Complimentary reusable water bottle
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
